Mark Brown

Mark Terence Brown, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family, Denise and Jacob.

Born in Arcadia, California, in 1958, Mark was the son of Walburga and Col. Lawrence Brown. As part of an Army family, Mark's early years were spent moving across the country and even overseas, with stints in Oklahoma, Virginia, and Frankfurt, Germany, before the family settled in Red Lodge during his middle school years. After graduating high school in 1977, Mark proudly served his country in the Air Force as a Charge Flight Medical Technical Specialist until 1981. During this time, he was stationed at Bitburg, Germany and on weekends, he would catch the train to Florsheim where he would visit with his aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. His exemplary service earned him the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, an Air Force Commendation Medal, and an Air Force Air Medal.

After his military service, Mark pursued higher education, enrolling in Montana State University - Bozeman to study engineering. His studies were cut short in 1985 by the passing of his father. Life then led him to Phoenix, Arizona, where he honed his skills in the electrical trade, gaining invaluable experience and becoming a licensed electrician. It was in Phoenix, while working as a contractor for Honeywell's Business and Commuter Aviation Division, that he met his "Sweet Pea," Denise Pink. Captivated by his kind demeanor, towering height, impressive mustache, and a shared love for music played loud enough to rattle the pictures off the walls, Denise married Mark in 1995. Their son, Jacob, soon completed their family.

In April 1996, Mark, Denise, and Jacob returned to Red Lodge, where he received his master electrician license and established Red Lodge Electric Company, diligently serving the Red Lodge community until his retirement with Denise in 2021.

Mark had a zest for life and many passions. He was an avid fan of Formula One racing, enjoyed racing 250 super karts and enjoyed teaching Jacob to race shifter karts. His love for trains extended to building intricate model train sets at home. Mark and Denise shared a passion for travel, exploring backroads, abandoned mines, camping under starry skies, and stargazing. He found joy in video games and classic movies. A talented cook, bread baker, and grill master, Mark loved nothing more than hosting friends and family at his home, where they could all enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains.

Known for his ability to fix anything, Mark approached challenges with a stubborn determination to figure it out if he didn't already know how. He was a kind, caring, and honest soul who always made time to check in on people and offer help. Mark possessed a wonderful sense of humor, delighting in telling jokes that could make you spew milk from your nose. He lived by the philosophy, "If you are going to do something, do it right, don't half ass it."

Mark's dedication to service found a second home at Red Lodge Fire Rescue, where he became an invaluable member of his "second family." He began his volunteer career in 2012 as a firefighter, steadily advancing to engineer, Lieutenant, and division President. Though he stepped down from the fire division to focus on his battle with cancer, he remained deeply involved as a mentor, drone pilot, and communications specialist for the department until his passing.

His deepest love and commitment were reserved for his family: his devoted wife, Denise; their son, Jacob, and daughter-in-law, Vanessa; his cherished grandson, Oliver, and another grandson on the way; and his constant canine companion, Kilo. The time spent with them brought him immense joy, and he loved sharing photos and videos of their travels, their drives through the desert, and Oliver's latest dance moves.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife, Denise; his son and daughter-in-law, Jacob and Vanessa, and their children; his loyal fur-baby, Kilo; his brother, Ben (Jennifer); his sister, Suzette; and niece and nephews, Dan (LuAnne), Hanna (Matt), and Kyle (Lacey), along with their children.

A Celebration of Mark's life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM at the family home. For information, please contact the Red Lodge Fire Rescue Foundation - 406-425-1364

In lieu of flowers, Denise and Jacob kindly request that donations be made to the Red Lodge Fire Rescue Foundation or a cancer research organization of your choice.